These are resources to consider when managing and growing your book coaching business. I'll be updating this as I learn of new platforms and tools that will help book coaches. Some links may be affiliate links meaning I may get a commission at no extra charge to you. I'll always mark these links for total transparency.
These are platforms and services I know book coaches use as well as ones I've used with other clients and found useful. They are not inclusive of every possibility available. Do your research to make sure you're using the platforms, services, and tools that meet your business's needs.
Generating Leads
Email Marketing Systems
Use an email marketing systems to build your email list so you can communicate directly to writers who want what you offer. This is one of the most effective marketing tools for small businesses. For the options below I've included a few features available in their lowest tier plans.
Sender - Automation workflows, segmentation, email builder, most features from paid plans.
MailerLite - Drag & drop editor, automation, pop-ups, surveys, landing pages, 1 user.
Aweber - Automated email campaigns, landing page builder, sign-up forms, AI subject line generator.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) - 1 automation, 1 email sequence, 1 user, unlimited landing pages and forms.
MailChimp - Basic email templates, single-step automation, surveys, basic reporting.
Lead Capture Forms
You can embed lead capture forms on your website or link to them in your social media profiles so people can request information about what you offer. I won't list specific platform names because many times a lead capture form is part of a system you already use. Here are the types of platforms, services, and tools to look at using for lead capture.
Website Platform - your website platform might come with a built in lead capture widget or plugin. Or you can add language on your Contact Page form for people to use it to request specific information.
Website Plugins - if your website platform doesn't, you can look for plugins that include creating lead capture forms.
CRM Platform - Many Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms have a a feature for you to create lead capture forms and embed them on your website. (examples of CRMs in Client Onboarding and Management section below)
Making Sales
There are several ways to create a sales page with a Buy Now or Book Discovery call button for each service or program you offer.
Website Platform - Create a sales page directly in your website platform and connect to a payment processor such as Stripe or PayPal. For Discovery calls, connect the button to your scheduling platform. Some CRMs have this feature, too.
Sales Page Platforms - You can create sales pages and connect the payment processor in external platforms such a ThriveCart or ClickFunnels.
CRM Platforms - some CRM platforms include a feature to create registration/sales pages and connect to your payment processor. Most can be standalone pages or connected to your website. (examples of CRMs in Client Onboarding and Management section below)
Client Onboarding and Management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Platform
Even if you have just a few clients, you should have a way to keep a record of their information, what type of coaching they needed. This will help you see trends, understand who you're attracting, and help you make informed business decisions.
Google or Excel Spreadsheet - will work if you have just a few 1:1 coaching clients, but not as well for group coaching or other programs.
Dubsado - has built in sales/registration pages, scheduling, proposals, contracts, invoices, and workflows so is a good choice for 1:1 coaching clients and group coaching programs. Several of my clients use Dubsado and really like it.
Honeybook - has similar features as Dubsado, but not as robust. Would be good for 1:1 coaching clients. If you want to use it for group coaching programs, explore the features to make sure it would work for you.
17Hats - has limited options, but would work well for 1:1 clients. If you want to use it for group coaching programs, explore the features to make sure it would work for you.
Bloom - has proposals, contracts, invoices, and scheduling. Would be good for 1:1 coaching clients, but doesn't offer a robust enough workflow for a group coaching program. (affliliate link)
Client Portal
Your client portal is simply a way to store all of your client information in one place. Examples are proposal, contract, links to videos of coaching sessions, resources, and to keep the pages they submit and your feedback in one place. it doesn't have to be complex as long as it works for you and you clients.
Shared Google Folder
Shared Dropbox Folder
CRM Platform (if using one check to see if they have a built in client portal that would be useful for what you need.
Tracking Business Metrics
If you're not tracking the metrics for your business data you won't know what's working and what isn't and what you need to change. The email marketing systems I listed earlier will have the capability for your emails. Here are other tools and platforms you can use to track other business metrics.
Google Analytics - Google Analytics and Google Search Console will give you a lot of extremely useful website metrics, including where you rank for search terms people use to find your website. It can also be complicated to set up and manage. But, if you can figure it out or work with someone to help you, it's worth using Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Clicky Analytics - I use this for two of my websites and find it easy to use. The free version gives me enough information to guage how my site is doing. I also use Google Analytics for deeper dives into how my website is performing.